Set up camera and control system

[brylie]

This issue is dedicated to exploring, comparing, and finalizing the camera system and controls for our game. The current fixed-camera setup may not fully support our vision for player interaction and game environment exploration. We aim to evaluate different camera styles, document their trade-offs, and decide on the most suitable camera system for our game’s unique needs.

Objectives

• Conduct prerequisite research on various camera control systems used in third-person 3D games.
• Compare fixed, rotating, automatic, and rail camera systems in terms of their impact on gameplay, player experience, and level design.
• Document trade-offs and gather team input via GitHub discussions.
• Finalize the camera system choice, detailing the rationale in our Game Design Document.
• Implement the chosen camera style if a change from the fixed-camera approach is decided.

Tasks

1. Research Phase:

   • Gather information on various camera systems used in similar games.
   • Document findings and share with the team for preliminary feedback.

2. Comparison and Evaluation:

   • Develop a comparison matrix for the different camera systems focusing on usability, player engagement, technical complexity, and integration with existing game mechanics.
   • Create prototypes or simulations if necessary to demonstrate the potential impact of each system.

3. Discussion and Documentation:

   • Initiate a GitHub discussion thread to collect input and preferences from the development team.
   • Summarize discussion findings and potential decisions.

4. Decision and Documentation:

   • Finalize the decision on the camera system to be used based on comprehensive evaluations and team consensus.
   • Document the decision and its rationale in the Game Design Document, acknowledging the trade-offs of the chosen system.

5. Implementation (if applicable):

   • Begin the implementation of the new camera system.
   • Adjust game levels and controls to align with the new camera setup.
   • Conduct initial tests to refine camera behavior and ensure smooth integration.

Expected Outcomes

• A well-documented decision process that considers various perspectives and expert insights.
• An updated Game Design Document that reflects the final camera system choice.
• If applicable, an implemented camera system that enhances the gameplay experience and supports the game’s educational and engagement objectives.